Make your own dark hot chocolate with this delicious 5 minute homemade hot chocolate mix, then keep it yourself or turn it into the easiest holiday gift. It makes the most delicious chocolatey, creamy, warming hot chocolate.
[This recipe was originally posted in November 2016. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]
Table of contents
How will this hot cocoa mix recipe make your life easier?
This homemade hot chocolate mix makes a great holiday gift. It's super easy, quick, inexpensive, and you probably have all the ingredients you need to make it.
Print out simple instructions to 1-1.5 T cocoa mix into 1 cup of milk, then heat. You can also include ideas for the best hot chocolate toppings to make your hot chocolate even more delicious (like peanut butter powder or peppermint).
Make sure to also check out all the best winter seasonal recipes like this simple sauteed kale salad. OR these chocolate dipped oreos, homemade gingerbread mix, or gingerbread pound cake as other holiday gift ideas.
What makes homemade hot chocolate so good?
- Dark Chocolate bar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Turbinado sugar
- Salt
How to make homemade hot chocolate mix
Start to make homemade hot chocolate mix by chopping up a dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to jar. Seal lid on jar.
Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
Add 1-1 ½ tablespoons homemade hot chocolate mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.
How to make homemade hot chocolate mix for gifts?
Multiply this recipe and package in individual jars. It's that easy.
Substitutions/Tips
- Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
- Make extra homemade hot chocolate mix to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
- Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
- Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
- Other great add-ins: Try these Hot Chocolate Toppings.
FAQ
Hot chocolate mix is usually made with different types of chocolate, sugar, salt and depending on the brand, preservatives or other ingredients, homemade has similar ingredients. It's usually mixed with hot milk or water.
I wrote a whole article about making hot chocolate even better with delicious toppings. Check it out here.
The best way to make delicious instant hot chocolate is to start with great chocolate. Use your favorite chocolate bar and cocoa powder. And of course sugar too!
Start with ingredients you like on their own, then you'll end up with great hot cocoa.
How can I repurpose this hot cocoa mix?
- Gift homemade hot chocolate mixes
- Add it to pancake or waffle mix for a chocolate boost.
What can I make with leftover ingredients?
- Dark Chocolate Bar: Use instead of chocolate chips in this Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, or Chocolate Dipped Oreos.
- Cocoa Powder: Small Batch Chocolate Cookies or Blueberry Chocolate Muffins.
Did you make this homemade hot chocolate mix? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Equipment
- Glass Jar
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 3.5 ounces Dark Chocolate bar, chopped I used 85% cocoa
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cane sugar or sugar substitute
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Chop up a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon salt to jar.
- Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
- Add 1-1 ½ tablespoons hot cocoa mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.
Video
Notes
- Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
- Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
- Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
- Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
- Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.
Want to get more single serving recipes or others like this homemade hot chocolate mix delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.
Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started.
Scarlet says
I love simple, real ingredient, homemade recipes like this. Can't wait to try it!
Rebecca says
thanks! aren't simple recipes like this the best?!
Katherine says
This is awesome. Need a double batch next time so half is for gifting and half for home!
Rebecca says
great idea!
Jessica Formicola says
We are making this to give out as gifts this year! It's our favorite recipe and it's always delicious!
Rebecca says
awesome! thanks
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
There is nothing better tasting than homemade hot cocoa. And this is insanely decadent and comforting for the cold weather.
Rebecca says
totally agree! thanks!
Dannii says
These would be great to put in jars and give as gifts.
Rebecca says
exactly!
Sue says
There's nothing better than a great hot chocolate, and on this cold rainy morning, I can't wait to make your recipe, yum!
Rebecca says
totally agreed!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Yum! This sounds so amazing!! Can't wait to make it for my kids...Pinned 🙂
Rebecca says
yes! it's so good! your kids would definitely love it
Kalee says
This looks amazing! I love hot chocolate - especially when it gets cooler!
Rebecca says
me too! thanks
Mikki says
Wow! Love the simplicity of this! And of course.. the chocolate part is the best!
Rebecca says
isn't it though?
Natalie says
My family loves hot chocolate. And homemade is the best. Can you believe I haven't done not one cup this season. Need to change that now. Thanks for reminder. 😉
Rebecca says
I haven't either, not quite cold enough where I'm at. But yes, you're welcome & I'll be joining you in hot cocoa drinking soon
Emily says
WOW this sounds good!! The more chocolately, the better, in my books 🙂
Rebecca says
same here! thanks
Christina says
Yessssss it's always good to have hot cocoa mix on hand!
Rebecca says
so so true!
Abbey Sharp says
Homemade is ALWAYS better than store-bought. Love this recipe!
Rebecca says
isn't it though? thanks Abbey
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
i have been wanting to make hot chocolate and im absolutely digging this easy recipe that can be made ahead! i love love love this.
Rebecca says
yes, it's so easy & delicious! thanks Dixya
Sarah says
I could snuggle up with a mug of this right now! It's so cold and I've got a craving for chocolate!
Rebecca says
oh yes, you need to warm up with this ASAP!
Rachel says
Mmm, I love hot chocolate. What a great recipe!
Rebecca says
Me too! thanks so much Rachel!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Wow that is easy! Now I want one now
Rebecca says
ya, so easy 🙂
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says
Yup, it's official. I will definitely be trying this recipe this winter. It sounds perfect!
Rebecca says
thanks! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
gretchen | kumquat says
this is brilliant!! i love me some truvia... i will DEFINITELY be mixing this up for myself and my kids for a hot chocolate fix without the sugar coma. (and what a great gift for the holidays!)
Rebecca says
Thanks Gretchen! it's an easy go to warm drink. Hope you enjoy it